I’m learning to say “There is a part of me that gets anxious and afraid” instead of “I have anxiety.” It is a way of telling anxiety…”You’re not the boss of me!” I’ve been reading the BEST bible studies lately about anxiety and fear and handing it over…letting it go…and giving it all to God. I started studying “You’re Not the Boss of Me: 7 Keys to Managing Anxiety” and “10 Days Of Defeating Anxiety” and they have really helped. When I knew I was going to have this invasive test a couple of weeks ago, I sequestered myself in the Big Birdhouse out back and studied, prayed, handed over, and visualized going through the entire thing with great peace. And…that’s exactly what God gave me.

Now I’m going to be heading into another surgery. My youngest daughter and her spouse are very sick, presumably with Covid and were tested today. She has bad asthma…so, you know…I’m a mom. I worry. One of my grandchildren was sick but her test came back negative and she’s feeling better so that’s a relief. Then, I heard from my brother’s caregivers last night…he has tested positive for Covid.

My very first response was fear which quickly amps up into anxiety. So I made myself stop and remember what I’ve been studying the last two weeks. First off…my brother has been double vaxxed and boosted AND he is not experiencing any symptoms. I closed my eyes…took a few deep breaths, and reread the message. He hasn’t been experiencing any symptoms and he’s fully vaxxed and he seems to be doing good and….he hasn’t been experiencing any symptoms. Did I mention he hasn’t been experiencing any symptoms? Good…because that’s what I’m clinging to.

I tried to reach him but unless he is holding his phone, he doesn’t hear it. What can I do? I can’t jump on a plane and fly to Denver, rent a car and drive four hours to get there…only to be turned away because he’s in quarantine. That doesn’t help him, and it isn’t safe for me, either. I did the only thing I could do…I immediately handed it over to God and prayed fervently that He will keep my Bubby safe. I have the numbers of his caregivers and they will keep me apprised.

The circle of Covid is tightening, my friends. I know more and more people who are catching it. One of my Facebook friends wrote in a post that she was hospitalized with Covid and pneumonia and hasn’t posted anything since. And that’s been days ago. I’m not sure if she was vaccinated or not. Yes, I know…the vaccinated can still get a breakthrough infection. But…overall…they are not getting as sick as those who still refuse to get the vaccine. Please….please….please get vaccinated and protect yourselves and those you love. There have been millions and millions of vaccine doses now and you aren’t going to glow in the dark or turn the microwave on when you cough or be marked by the beast. The benefits far outweigh the risks. If it’s fear of a needle that has you spooked, get a trusted friend to take you and hold your hand. Give your fear to God, and go get this lifesaving vaccine. I’m so weary of losing people. I don’t want to lose you, too.

Please say a little prayer for my brother and my girls and Evelyn and all who are affected by this virus.

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“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 NLT

#Covid, #Fear, #Anxiety, #Surrender